A chlorophyll reading based method for non-destructive screening and scoring of rice genotypes for resistance to bacterial blight

Accurate phenotyping is an essential prerequisite for resistance gene identification and selection of resistant genotypes. Screening for bacterial blight disease infestation and resistance gene identification in rice are based on visual observations, which are error prone. A non-destructive method for screening of resistant genotypes using SPAD chlorophyll meter is described. Two indices, A and B were developed. Both the indices have high correlation with visual selection based standard evaluation system (SES) method. Index B was found more suitable for differentiation between resistant and susceptible lines.